Dental care abroad: know your facts before you travel

Dental care abroad: know your facts before you travel

Before embarking on a trip abroad for any dental treatments, we encourage you to do in-depth research before making a decision. Medical tourism has become a big business, and whilst there are so many reputable dental practices abroad, there are definitely things to look out for in order to ensure you are making an informed decision.

There is an overall assumption that travelling to another country is the most affordable option.

Yet, long-term, it can result in expensive treatment and unwanted pain, side effects and after-care that is needed that hasn’t been factored into the original fees quoted to you.

Are you making the best decision based on the quality of dental care or the tempting holiday destination?

The thought of an all-inclusive holiday plus dental treatment within budget sounds like a dream. If it does sound too good to be true, then this may be the case. If you know the warning signs, then you are less likely to make the wrong decision. Ask the right questions, and if in doubt, make sure to get a second opinion. Our Front of House Team will always be happy to help you make the right decision for you:

• Are they providing you with enough information?
• Are you aware of all the fees throughout the treatment journey?
• Are they willing to provide you with all the information about the products being used and the brands, are they well known?
• Is the quality of the lab work comparable to the UK?
• Have you checked out reviews on Google or Trust Pilot about the practice?
• Is the Dentist registered with the GDC (General Dental Council or equivalent in that local country)?
• Do you feel pressured into making a quick decision?
• Have they discussed possible complications and after-care?
• Have they agreed to provide you with a copy of all your scans, dental reports and any relevant information to your patient record and treatment?
• Do you have relevant medical/travel insurance to cover you in the event of any complications?

It is important that you feel confident with your dental practice and with the advice and information you are being given. If in doubt, take a step back and speak to us or your GP about other options.

We will always try to support our patients whether or not they decide to continue their treatment with us at Olive Tree Dental; we would much rather help you make an informed decision, as we believe patient duty of care is important.

Please consider the following before you travel for any dental treatment:

Treatment complications – It is likely you’re going abroad for an advanced (expensive) dental procedure that could result in complications. It does not matter how qualified the dentist is; there is always the possibility of an infection. If being treated abroad, it is not easy to return to the clinic/practice in the UK for a follow-up, especially if this is not included in your insurance.

Attention to detail – Treatments, including crowns, implants and bridges, will most likely need fine-tuning to achieve your desired outcome. You may need to visit your dentist a couple of times to ensure the treatment is successful, which you may not be able to do if you’re having treatment abroad.

Varying dental approaches – Different countries approach dentistry in various ways. Some use more invasive treatments that may not be needed, such as veneers. If too much of the tooth is removed, it can result in pain and unwanted side effects. In the UK, we have high standards of cross-infection control, which may not be mirrored in other countries.

Restorative treatments, type/material and brand – Implants are a prime example of a restorative treatment that many decide to travel abroad for. Attractive package offers, including flights & hotel stay in addition to heavily reduced Implant costs, make it seem like a no-brainer.

Turkey is one destination that offers much lower prices than the UK (or at least it seems that way at first). We would strongly suggest you ask all the above questions before making the decision to travel.

At Olive Tree Dental, we use the renowned brand “Straumann” We are particular about the lab we work with, as we believe these are all factors that contribute to a successful implant placement (not just the skill & experience of our Implantologist – which is equally as important).

If you travel abroad to have an Implant, we strongly suggest you find out the serial number and have copies of all your scans & treatment plan before you return to the UK. Often patients come to us who have faced issues since having Implant placements abroad, and we can’t interfere in the Implant placement as the patient doesn’t have any copy of the treatment plan, the type of Implant or any X-Rays or scans. If the implant isn’t Straumann or Neodent, then we may not even be able to see that patient to assist them as we won’t have the tools to be able to ascertain the root cause of the issue.

Overall cost – Are you travelling abroad because of the assumption it is going to be cheaper? We offer payment plans and membership perks as a more cost-effective solution, so speak to us before you decide to travel overseas. We also offer 0% finance* for up to 2 years.

Having the security of knowing who will be doing the procedure/treatment, that they are GDC registered and that we are literally just a phone call away if you have any queries or concerns and will support you throughout your patient journey and even after the treatment is something money can’t buy: Peace of mind.

Yes – dentistry abroad seems fun, exciting, and, at first, the cheaper option, but in the long run, it can come with a bigger price tag and even bigger dental problems if not treated correctly. Going back to another country to resolve an earlier treatment is not going to be cheap.

Please speak to our in-house team if you are considering treatment abroad, and we can support you and provide you with a wealth of information to help you decide what the best course of action for you is.

* Terms and conditions apply. Written quotations are available on request from Wesleyan Bank Limited.
Credit facilities are subject to status and affordability checks and only available to UK residents over the age of 18.